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In 2008, North Korean leader Kim Jong-il suffered a stroke.

And it has been known so far that Kim Jong-un was chosen as the successor the following year, but looking at the photos recently released by North Korea, it seems that Kim Jong-il had considered Kim Jong-un as his successor for a long time before that.



This is Ahn Jung-shik, a reporter specializing in North Korea.



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This is a documentary film commemorating Hyon Chol-hae, which was recently broadcast by North Korea after the death of Marshal Hyon Chol-hae, who contributed to establishing the succession system of Kim Jong-un.



It dealt with the long-standing relationship between the three generations of Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il, and Kim Jong-un, and notable photos were released.



A local map of Kim Jong-il that appears to be in the late 90's.



Kim Jong-un, who looked like a teenager, was accompanied by a youthful face.



Enlarging an image


It is conspicuous to stand in front of the other executives and to stand with Kim Jong-il across the Hyeon-Chol-Hae.



Another photo of Kim Jong-un in a suit.



The short tie looks a bit awkward.



Enlarging an image


Looking at the fact that Kim Jong-il was lying on his back with both hands, it can be seen that it was before the collapse of a stroke in 2008 and paralysis.



Even at this time, Kim Jong-un stands close to Kim Jong-il ahead of other officials.



It is known that Kim Jong-il, who had suffered a stroke, decided as the successor of Kim Jong-il in early 2009, and it seems that long before this, Kim Jong-il had Kim Jong-un as a potential successor in mind and accompanied him to local guidance.



Kim Jong-un also seems to have dreamed of power from a young age, and it is analyzed that Hyeon Chol-hae helped him a lot.



[Joseon Central TV (Record Film in commemoration of Hyeon Chol-hae): Comrade Hyeon Chol-hae deeply realized that our revolution should only be passed down through the lineage of Baekdu.]



There was an outside debate over whether the successor of Kim Jong-il would be the eldest son Kim Jong-nam or the second son Kim Jong-cheol. Opinions were divided, but inside North Korea, the succession system of Kim Jong-un was being prepared step by step.



(Video editing: Kim Byung-jik)